Mumias East constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya has declared that industrialisation will be at the heart of his government if he assumes the presidency in 2027.
Taking to his official X account on the night of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Salasya promised to transform Kenya from a consumer-driven economy into a robust industrial powerhouse.
“As I prepare to take over the leadership of this nation in 2027, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: industrialisation will be one of the core pillars of my agenda. For far too long, Kenya has remained a consumer economy — importing what we could easily produce, exporting raw materials instead of finished products, and watching our youth suffer in silence due to joblessness. That must change. And I promise you, under my leadership, it will,” Salasya stated.
Salasya‘s plan includes revitalising stalled factories, establishing new industrial parks, and fostering regional hubs for agro-processing, textile production, and ICT innovation.
Job creation
This, he argues, will not only create jobs but also restore dignity and purpose to young Kenyans, increase household incomes, and position the country as a global competitor.
“We will build. We will manufacture. We will add value. I envision a Kenya where every region is an active hub of industry, from agro-processing in our farmlands to textile production in our cotton zones to ICT innovation in our cities. We will revive stalled factories, set up new industrial parks, and give our young people the tools and opportunities to lead this transformation,” he wrote on X.
“This is not just about economics. This is about dignity. It’s about restoring pride and purpose to every young Kenyan. It’s about creating jobs, increasing household incomes, and building a Kenya that produces, exports, and competes globally. My promise to you is simple: we will industrialise, we will empower, and we will transform Kenya together. This is not politics; this is purpose. And I am ready.”
Kenya’s economic challenges
Kenya has been grappling with economic challenges, exacerbated by public protests that erupted in 2023 and continued into 2024.
These demonstrations, largely driven by the youth, were a response to proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bills, which many perceived as burdensome amidst rising living costs.
The protests, which at times turned violent, underscored a deep-seated frustration with the current economic direction and a demand for policies that address unemployment and economic empowerment.
